Defamation case settled amicably, Fadhlina to donate RM15,000 to Palestine fund

KUALA LUMPUR: A defamation lawsuit involving Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek was concluded today after all parties agreed to an amicable settlement at the Sessions Court.

The legal action was filed following allegations claiming there was a ban on the recitation of takbir and qunut nazilah prayers in conjunction with Palestine Solidarity Week in schools.

In the same development, Jasin Member of Parliament Zulkifli Ismail, along with two other defendants, issued an apology.

They also acknowledged that their earlier statements had led to various interpretations and misunderstandings regarding the plaintiff, thereby affecting her reputation.

Based on the agreed terms of settlement signed by all parties, the Sessions Court, presided over by Judge Hilmiah Yusof, recorded a consent judgment, which included payment of costs amounting to RM15,000.

Also named as defendants were former Harakah editor-in-chief Maslan Yusof and its publisher, Galeri Media Serbanika.

Throughout the proceedings, both Fadhlina and Zulkifli were present in court.

Earlier, Fadhlina stated that the RM15,000 would be donated to a fund supporting the Palestinian people.